Practical and Legal Caregiver Issues in the Workplace with Allison Bowers

In episode 110 Coffey talks with Allison Bowers about employer’s legal responsibilities to caregivers and practical ways employers can accommodate their needs. They discuss their own caregiver experiences; how remote work is has affected caregivers; biases and assumptions often made about caregivers; accommodations, including schedule flexibility, employers might consider to recruit and retain caregivers; the risk of selective accommodations; laws that protect caregivers such as FMLA, Title VII, and in some cases ADA; and other policies employers can have to support caregivers. Link to the EEOC guidance referenced by Allison can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-unlawful-disparate-treatment-workers-caregiving-responsibilitiesGood Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:In the words of her peers, Allison Bowers "represents the very best of the legal profession - smart, honest, caring, and extremely capable." Born and raised in a small Texas town, Allison's approach to law reflects her grounded, practical roots. Allison is a frequent speaker on employment law topics, has been named to the Best Lawyers and Texas Super Lawyer lists, and has served as an expert witness on the legal sufficiency of an internal investigation.After law school, Allison clerked for Lee Yeakel, now Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Austin. Allison practiced as a commercial litigator with Baker Botts LLP for over ten years before co-founding Hutcheson Bowers LLLP, which celebrated its 12th anniversary in 2023. Allison's sensible and sympathetic perspective make her especially sought after as an investigator and counselor on difficult employee management issues. Executives love working with Allison for these same reasons. Allison is also called on to manage litigation because she is laser-focused on getting to the best resolution for her client in the most efficient way possible.After busy days at work, Allison enjoys the peaceful process of tending to her orchids, some of which she's had for over 10 years. Her oldest plant, a philodendron, is over 30 years old and has survived being dug up and hauled all over Austin. Her husband and teenage daughter often try to interrupt her, but she's learned to tune them out.Allison Bowers can be reached at:https://www.hutchesonbowers.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-bowers-02052526 https://twitter.com/hutchesonbowershttps://www.facebook.com/hutchesonbowerslawfirm About Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.Learning Objectives:1. Explore remote work's impact on caregivers, flexible policies, and accommodation responses.2. Understand legal responsibilities to caregivers under FMLA, Title VII, and ADA.3. Identify effective policies for employers to support caregivers while ensuring fairness and compliance.